With energy prices on the rise, homeowners are looking for ways to improve heating conditions for the upcoming winter. One way is to enhance the homes’ insulation, but for many people, the attic is an unexpectedly dangerous place due to the presence of asbestos-containing insulation.

Asbestos was used in a variety of products during much of the twentieth century. In fact, any home built before or in the 1980s is likely to contain asbestos-containing materials. Homes remodeled during this time also fall into the category. The use of asbestos was so widespread that the large majority of materials used for constructing homes contained the substance. Contractors used asbestos because it was light, durable, fireproof, and was an excellent insulator.

However, these same characteristics are the contributing factors that make asbestos a health hazard. If inhaled, the small asbestos fibers can attach themselves to the mesothelial linings of the body’s organs, and because of its strength, the body is unable to expel them. The toxic substance is known to cause several types of respiratory diseases, including mesothelioma and asbestosis.

If a home was built between the 1920s and the late 1980s, it is likely the attic may contain a type of asbestos insulation known as vermiculite. Vermiculite is a mineral substance that was mined by W.R. Grace & Company near Libby, Montana. The mine was contaminated with asbestos, and any vermiculite from the mine is similarly contaminated. The problems in Libby itself as a direct result of the mining activities are enormous, and with the contaminated vermiculite present in millions of American homes today, the issue is even more widespread.

If a home is suspected to contain asbestos insulation, the only safe way to determine if it is present is to hire a licensed professional asbestos inspector. If test results reveal asbestos is in the home, precautionary removal steps can then be taken.

The question is whether to remove the insulation completely, or install new insulation over the top of the vermiculite. Complete removal may be more expensive, but it is the only way to make sure the asbestos won’t cause problems in the future.

Perhaps the most important issue, regardless if you choose to contain or remove the asbestos, is that it’s vital to hire a licensed contractor to perform the work. While some agencies say it’s possible to safely deal with asbestos, and installing new insulation is often safe to do yourself, it’s generally not recommended to take the risks of asbestos exposure.

For more information on asbestos and mesothelioma visit The Asbestos and Mesothelioma National Awareness Center (asbestos.com)